Bulldog football coach Rich Ferris announced the signing of three new football recruits. By Wally Feldt
University of Montana Western head football coach Rich Ferris announced the signing of Peter Mascola of Coarsegold, Calif., Nick Owens of Columbus, Mont., and Justine Walker of Shepherd, Mont. to Frontier Conference/NAIA letters of intent.
Mascola is a 5-foot-11, 250 lbs offensive and defensive lineman. He was selected his team’s lineman of the year and received first-team all-conference honors as an offensive lineman and second-team honors as a defensive lineman. Mascola was selected to play in the California North-South All-Star game.
"Peter is a physical player with the ability to be a solid player on either side of the ball,” said Ferris. “We are excited to bring in a physical guy like him to add depth to the line.”
Mascola also participated in baseball and wrestling and was a coach for Pop Warner football. Mascola will major in social science. He is the son of Pete and Christine Mascola and will graduate this spring from Yosemite High School.
Owens is a 6-foot-1, 210 lbs middle linebacker and offensive lineman. He earned all-conference honors as a linebacker.
“Nick is an excellent player on both sides of the ball and could contribute to our team at as many as three spots,” Ferris noted. “He is incredibly well coached and works extremely hard on and off the field.”
Owens is the son of Greg and Kathy Owens and will graduate this spring from Columbus High School.
Walker, a transfer from Black Hills State of Spearfish, S.D, is a 5-foot-10, 220 lbs running back and linebacker. He was a three-time all-conference selection and had over 300 tackles in his career including 121 his junior season. Walker played only four games his senior season and averaged 20 tackles per game and as a running back, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
“Justin’s size and strength will make him a great runner for us between the tackles and a great pass blocker in our spread offense,” Ferris said.
Walker also earned all-state honors in wrestling. He is the son of Jake and Karen Walker and is majoring in sociology.